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The Transposing Method of Solving ALGEBRA Equations

THE TRANSPOSING METHOD IS TRANSFORMING MATHEMATICS EDUCATION

A logical, uncommon method of solving algebraic equations that may prove useful to students at any level.

A math professor guides students through a nontraditional way of solving algebraic equations.

In this basic math textbook, Matson (Matsonian Inverse Transposing Method, 2000) introduces readers to his method of solving equations in algebra by transposing the positions of the factors. Several examples demonstrate how the transposing method can produce a result in fewer steps than the more commonly taught method of applying the same operation(s) to both sides of an equation. The book guides readers through both simple and complicated equations as Matson demonstrates that his method works for operations involving exponents as well as those that contain only addition, subtraction, multiplication or division. After covering the fundamentals of the transposing method, the book moves into specific applications of the math involved, from finance to physics. Readers are given the opportunity to take evaluations at both the beginning and end of the book, with all answers provided. Readers are urged to learn to solve equations via the transposing method using graphing calculators, a technology the author strongly endorses. The book concludes with Matson’s theories regarding the shortcomings of K–12 math education in the United States. While Matson’s method of solving equations is an effective one, the book suffers somewhat from formatting choices that can make the lessons difficult to follow. Bold and italic typefaces are sometimes used to excess, and many of the equations are rendered as in-line text, conserving space at the expense of clarity. The concluding section, in which Matson makes his suggestions for improving math education, could benefit from streamlining the prose—“Teachers should teach Math not Tricks. Teaching tricks takes valuable time away from teaching Math. And, none of the students remembers how to use the tricks in college.” The prose section also adds little of value to the lessons he provides far more clearly in the previous chapters, which are likely to be of use to students looking for a simpler way of solving equations.

A logical, uncommon method of solving algebraic equations that may prove useful to students at any level.

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 2010

ISBN: 978-1453865712

Page Count: 50

Publisher: CreateSpace

Review Posted Online: Jan. 27, 2014

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NUTCRACKER

This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.

Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955

ISBN: 0670717797

Page Count: -

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955

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